Rule2021-24864
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
November 15, 2021
Effective
December 20, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-21- 08, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, - 700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. AD 2012-21-08 required inspecting for part numbers of the operational program software (OPS) of the flight control computers (FCCs) and installing and testing an updated version of the FCC OPS. This AD was prompted by reports that during autopilot coupled instrument landing system (ILS) approaches, the airplane did not capture or track the glideslope correctly. This AD retains the requirement to inspect for part numbers of the OPS of the FCCs, and adds a new requirement to update the version of the FCC OPS if necessary. This AD also expands the applicability to include The Boeing Company Model 737-900ER series airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 217 (Monday, November 15, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 217 (Monday, November 15, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 62895-62898]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24864]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 217 / Monday, November 15, 2021 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 62895]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0103; Product Identifier 2019-NM-149-AD; Amendment
39-21718; AD 2021-18-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-21-
08, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. AD 2012-21-08 required
inspecting for part numbers of the operational program software (OPS)
of the flight control computers (FCCs) and installing and testing an
updated version of the FCC OPS. This AD was prompted by reports that
during autopilot coupled instrument landing system (ILS) approaches,
the airplane did not capture or track the glideslope correctly. This AD
retains the requirement to inspect for part numbers of the OPS of the
FCCs, and adds a new requirement to update the version of the FCC OPS
if necessary. This AD also expands the applicability to include The
Boeing Company Model 737-900ER series airplanes. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 20, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 20,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of
November 27, 2012 (77 FR 64711, October 23, 2012).
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-0103.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0103; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael J. Tucker, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3974; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bad7d3d9d2dbdfd694d094cecfd9d1dfc8fadcdbdb94ddd5cc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d4b9bdb7bcb5b1b8fabefaa0a1b7bfb1a694b2b5b5fab3bba2">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2012-21-08, Amendment 39-17224 (77 FR
64711, October 23, 2012) (AD 2012-21-08). AD 2012-21-08 applied to
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900
series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
February 27, 2020 (85 FR 11319). The NPRM was prompted by reports that
during autopilot coupled ILS approaches, the airplane did not capture
or track the glideslope correctly. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
continue to require inspecting for part numbers of the OPS of the FCCs,
and to add a new requirement to update the version of the FCC OPS if
necessary. The NPRM also proposed to expand the applicability to
include The Boeing Company Model 737-900ER series airplanes. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the glideslope capture problem, which could
allow the airplane to descend below the glideslope beam and result in
controlled flight into terrain on airplanes that do not have the
upgraded FCC OPS installed.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters, including Air Line
Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and United Airlines, who
supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from three commenters,
including Boeing, Alaska Airlines, and Aviation Partners Boeing. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that the installation of winglets
per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00830SE does not affect the
actions specified in the NPRM.
The FAA agrees with the commenter that STC ST00830SE does not
affect the accomplishment of the manufacturer's service instructions.
Therefore, the installation of STC ST00830SE does not affect the
ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. The FAA has not
changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Require Removal of Certain Software Versions
Alaska Airlines requested that the proposed AD be revised to
require removing a particular version of the software or earlier
versions, rather than require installing a particular version or later
versions. The commenter asserted that Rockwell Collins software
versions 9.0 and earlier are the cause of the unsafe condition.
The FAA does not agree with the suggested change to the
requirements of this AD. Such a change would require operators who have
certain acceptable earlier software to install different software
unnecessarily. Paragraph (k) of
[[Page 62896]]
this AD specifically prohibits installing Rockwell Collins FCC OPS
software versions P1.1, P2.0, P3.0, P8.0, and P9.0. The unsafe
conditions identified in AD 2012-21-08 and in this AD only exist with
Rockwell Collins software versions P1.1, P2.0, P3.0, P8.0, and P9.0.
Paragraph (k) of the proposed AD had inadvertently referred to
software version ``P1.0'' as one of the affected versions that was
prohibited for installation. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1211
correctly identifies this affected software version as ``P1.1.'' The
FAA has corrected this reference as version ``P1.1'' in paragraph (k)
of this AD.
Request To Require Latest Service Information
Boeing requested that the FAA revise the NPRM to refer to Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-22A1322 RB, Revision 1, dated January
28, 2021, rather than Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-22A1322
RB, dated November 21, 2018. Boeing noted that Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-22A1322 RB, Revision 1, dated January 28,
2021, is the most current revision and has the correct FAA-only
approval statement for The Boeing Company Model 737-700C airplanes.
The FAA agrees with the request. The changes in Revision 1 are non-
substantive and do not affect the requirements as proposed in the NPRM
for this AD. Therefore, the FAA has revised this final rule to refer to
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-22A1322 RB, Revision 1, dated
January 28, 2021, as the appropriate source of service information for
the newly required software installation. The FAA also has added
paragraph (l) of this AD to provide credit for certain actions that
were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-22A1322 RB, dated November 21, 2018.
Subsequent paragraphs have been re-identified accordingly.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes
described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None
of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-22A1322 RB,
Revision 1, dated January 28, 2021. The service information describes
procedures for installing and testing an updated version of the FCC
OPS.
This AD also requires Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1211,
dated April 13, 2010; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1224,
dated May 18, 2012; which the Director of the Federal Register approved
for incorporation by reference as of November 27, 2012 (77 FR 64711,
October 23, 2012).
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 520 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and installation 3 work-hours x $85 $0 $255 $52,785 (based on 207
(retained actions from AD 2012-21- per hour = $255 per affected airplanes).
08). inspection.
Part number inspection (new 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 $44,200.
action). hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required. The FAA has no way of
determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition
actions:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install upgraded software..................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $0 $85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected
operators. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in this cost
estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
[[Page 62897]]
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-21-08, Amendment 39-17224
(77 FR 64711, October 23, 2012); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2021-18-17 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21718; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0103; Product Identifier 2019-NM-149-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 20,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2012-21-08, Amendment 39-17224 (77 FR 64711,
October 23, 2012) (AD 2012-21-08).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22, Auto flight.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that during autopilot coupled
instrument landing system (ILS) approaches, the airplane did not
capture or track the glideslope correctly. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address this condition, which could allow the airplane to
descend below the glideslope beam and result in controlled flight
into terrain.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Part Numbers Inspection, With Revised Paragraph References
and Removed Terminating Action
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2012-21-08, with revised paragraph references and removed
terminating action. For The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category;
delivered with the Rockwell Collins Enhanced Digital Flight Control
System (EDFCS), as identified in the variable number table in
Section 1.A.1., Effectivity, of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
22A1211, dated April 13, 2010, and not defined by the ``Group 1''
description in Section 1.A. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
22A1211, dated April 13, 2010: Within 3 months after November 27,
2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-21-08), inspect to determine the
part number of the operational program software (OPS) of the flight
control computers (FCCs), in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1211, dated
April 13, 2010, and install the software as required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, or verify that the software is installed as
specified by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For any OPS having a part number identified in table 1 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-22A1211, dated April 13, 2010: Before further flight, do the
actions specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (ii), as applicable.
(i) Install software identified in table 2 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1211, dated
April 13, 2010, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1211, dated April 13, 2010.
(ii) Install software identified in table 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
22A1224, dated May 18, 2012, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1211, dated
April 13, 2010.
(2) For any OPS having a part number identified in table 2 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-22A1211, dated April 13, 2010; or in table 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
22A1224, dated May 18, 2012: No further action is required by this
paragraph.
(h) Retained Optional Software Installation, With Revised Paragraph
References
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2012-21-08, with revised paragraph references. Installing a version
of the FCC OPS approved after May 18, 2012 (the issue date of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1224) terminates the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD, provided that the conditions specified in
paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of this AD are met.
(1) The version of the FCC OPS must be approved by the Manager,
Seattle ACO Branch, FAA; the Manager, Boeing Aviation Safety
Oversight Office (BASOO), FAA; or The Boeing Company Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA). If approved by the ODA, the
approval must include the ODA-authorized signature.
(2) The installation must be done in accordance with a method
approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA; the Manager, BASOO, FAA;
or The Boeing Company ODA. If approved by the ODA, the approval must
include the ODA-authorized signature.
(i) New Requirement of This AD: Inspection
For all airplanes: Within 12 months after the effective date of
this AD, inspect to determine the FCC OPS vendor and version
installed on FCC A and FCC B. A review of airplane maintenance
records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the FCC OPS
vendor and version can be conclusively determined from that review.
(j) New Requirement of This AD: Software Installation
(1) For airplanes equipped with Rockwell Collins FCCs with FCC
OPS version P8.0 or P9.0 software: Within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD, do all applicable actions identified in,
and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-22A1322 RB, Revision 1, dated
January 28, 2021.
Note 1 to paragraph (j)(1): Guidance for accomplishing the
actions required by paragraph (j)(1) of this AD can be found in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1322, Revision 1, dated January
28, 2021, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737-22A1322 RB, Revision 1, dated January 28, 2021.
(2) For airplanes not equipped with Rockwell Collins FCCs with
FCC OPS version P8.0 or P9.0 software: No further action is required
by this paragraph.
(k) New Requirement of This AD: Parts Installation Prohibition
For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install Rockwell Collins FCC OPS software version P1.1,
P2.0, P3.0, P8.0, or P9.0, on any airplane.
(l) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737-22A1322 RB, dated November 21, 2018.
(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3c05117d7271116f595d48485059117d7f73117d71737f116e594d49594f484f7c5a5d5d125b534a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d6effb97989bfb85b3b7a2a2bab3fb979599fb979b9995fb84b3a7a3b3a5a2a596b0b7b7f8b1b9a0">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this
[[Page 62898]]
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company ODA that has been
authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make those
findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation,
or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(n) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Michael J.
Tucker, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206-231-3974; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#24494d474c4541480a4e0a5051474f4156644245450a434b52"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7daded4dfd6d2db99dd99c3c2d4dcd2c5f7d1d6d699d0d8c1">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (o)(5) and (6) of this AD.
(o) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 20, 2021.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-22A1322 RB, Revision
1, dated January 28, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
November 27, 2012 (77 FR 64711, October 23, 2012).
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1211, dated April 13,
2010.
(ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1224, dated May 18,
2012.
(5) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(6) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(7) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ec8a9ec285829f9c898f98858382ac828d9e8dc28b839a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2442560a4d4a57544147504d4b4a644a4556450a434b52">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on August 30, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-24864 Filed 11-12-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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